Many restaurants in Italy, particularly outside major tourist areas or in smaller towns, are closed on Sunday evenings, while some may only open for lunch. However, in city centers and tourist spots, many restaurants remain open, although it is common for restaurants to have one closing day per week.
In predominantly Catholic Italy, it's probably not surprising that many things are closed on Sundays - including banks as well as some shops and restaurants. In more touristy areas, however, there's a greater likelihood that lots of shops and restaurants will be open on Sundays.
Traditionally Italians escape from the city on Sundays, going to a relative's home, or a country restaurant for a leisurely Sunday lunch with their family.
Every Sunday is considered a public rest day in Italy. National Unity Day (Giornata dell'Unità Nazionale) falls on Sunday, November 2, 2025. While not a day off by law, it is often commemorated at the local level.
For centuries, families have gathered after church, stepping out of their homes dressed in their best clothes, as Sunday was traditionally the day people were seen in public, a time to greet neighbors, catch up with friends, and be part of the community. In Italy, Sunday lunch is not just a meal, it's an event.
Eating at SKETCHY Restaurants In Rome Italy... (BEWARE)
What is Italy like on a Sunday?
In Italy, Sundays are family days and for many families, the only day that the kids are not in school (highschoolers attend half days on Saturdays as well). Sunday lunch – or Sunday brunch in some places – is a thing, so you should join the Italians.
As a tourist in Italy, avoid common mistakes like ordering cappuccino after 11 AM, putting cheese on seafood pasta, rushing meals, and dressing inappropriately for churches (shoulders and knees covered). Don't forget to validate train tickets, be wary of street vendors and scams, and understand that tipping isn't like in the U.S.; enjoy free public water fountains; and book major attractions in advance.
The following European Union countries currently allow all shops to open for at least part of every Sunday: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Sweden.
Law 104/1992 guarantees respect for human dignity for people with disabilities, as well as their rights to independence and autonomy, thus facilitating their incorporation into communities, schools, jobs, and society.
Mornings are reserved for milky drinks, such as a cappuccino or caffè latte, and it is often frowned upon to drink milkier beverages later in the day. After 11 a.m., Italians switch to espresso-based drinks like a simple shot of espresso or a macchiato instead of a milkier cup of coffee.
Eating habits are also a factor. Italians who regularly consume fruits and vegetables, for example, have a significantly lower rate of overweight than those who regularly drink alcohol and consume junk food. Obese people seem to get more pleasure from shopping and are more interested in cooking.
🍝🔪❌ In Italy, spaghetti is meant to be enjoyed in its full, unbroken glory. Cutting or breaking it not only disrupts the tradition but also changes the way the sauce clings to the pasta. Twirl your fork, savor the flavor, and enjoy spaghetti the Italian way—long and uncut!
Why does Italy close for August? How does the entire country of Italy and most of Europe shut down in August? It is a shock to many North Americans when they hear that offices and businesses are closed entirely for this extended period. However, this tradition, at least in Italy, stems back to Roman times.
Given its religious importance, Sunday is a popular time to visit the Vatican. Unsurprisingly, Vatican City is more than busy on Sundays, its bustling crowds making it almost impossible to maneuver around the city.
No, you cannot turn right on a red light in Italy It is illegal to make a right turn at a red light, and you must wait for the light to turn green before proceeding. Turning right on red is not permitted in Italy, even if the road is clear and you come to a complete stop first.
An Italian court has ruled in favour of Ronaldo during his latest dispute, with a ruling delivered in 2024 being upheld. CR7 had been looking for $23m to be transferred into his accounts — the full net amount that he had been promised by Serie A heavyweights.
Thirty years ago the then Italian Minister of Trade and Industry, Giovanni Marcora passed a law that aimed to support worker buyouts. The law, which came to be known as the Marcora Law, has helped to create 257 new employee owned firms, saving or creating 9,300 jobs.
Salaries. The overall annual average salary in Italy is approximately €24,000 EUR per year, with monthly ranges from €1,200 EUR to €2,000 EUR, depending on the position and experience. The monthly median salary in Italy is around €1,500 EUR.
Pharmacies typically open from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Monday through Saturday, with reduced hours on Sundays. If you're unwell outside these hours, don't worry — you can check which pharmacies are open later or on holidays via the Farmacie di Turno Roma website.
Train schedules tend to be fairly consistent from day to day. Sundays and holidays are the exceptions to that rule, however, when trains run less frequently. Note that on some public holidays trains can get booked up well in advance by locals who are traveling to visit family.
Italians are known for their impeccable fashion sense, and dressing appropriately can help you blend in effortlessly. Avoid bright colors and opt for more neutral or muted tones. Italians generally dress up a bit more than casual tourists, so bring some stylish outfits.
It is improper to put one's hands on one's lap, or to stretch one's arms while at the table. Resting one's elbows on the table is also considered to be poor manners. Do not leave the table until everyone has finished eating. Drinking beverages other than water or wine with a meal is quite uncommon.
